In various regions of Japan, there are local sake and sake breweries rooted in their communities.
Enjoying local sake unique to the places you visit is one of the highlights of tourism, isn't it?
In the Bikan Historical Area of Kurashiki, there are sake breweries rooted in the region, and local sake that is loved by the community.
One such brewery is Morita Shuzo Co., Ltd., known for its sake brand Manen Yuki.
It is the only sake brewery in the Bikan Historical Area that has been producing sake since the Meiji era, and there are about 50 varieties of Manen Yuki.
Additionally, Morita Shuzo is committed to traditional brewing methods and continues to create unique products.
Let's explore the history, charm, and dedication of Morita Shuzo and Manen Yuki.
Morita Shuzo is the only sake brewery in the Bikan Historical Area known for "Manen Yuki"
Morita Shuzo is a sake brewery located in the Bikan Historical Area of Kurashiki.
Established in 1909, it is a long-established sake brewery and, as of 2022, it is the only sake brewery in the central urban area of Kurashiki, including the Bikan Historical Area.
Morita Shuzo is located along Honmachi Street, directly across from the South Approach of Achi Shrine.
The sake produced by Morita Shuzo is known as Manen Yuki, which has long been cherished among the local residents of Kurashiki.
As of 2022, there are as many as about 50 varieties of Manen Yuki produced by Morita Shuzo.
While still adhering to traditional brewing methods, they are actively developing new products and expanding their sake production.
Adjacent to it is the food select shop "Oishii Mono Boutique Heisuiken"
Next to Morita Shuzo (to the west) is the Oishii Mono Boutique Heisuiken.
Oishii Mono Boutique Heisuiken is a shop based on the concept of a "food select shop."
The representative of Morita Shuzo, Morita Shoichiro, has personally selected delicious foods from both Japan and abroad, which are displayed throughout the shop.
Oishii Mono Boutique Heisuiken is a shop that attracts many customers, from local residents to tourists and business travelers visiting Kurashiki.
Morita Shuzo's sake is also sold at Oishii Mono Boutique Heisuiken, and it is possible to order it as well.
For more details, please visit the Oishii Mono Boutique Heisuiken website.
Tours of the sake brewery, garden, and tea room are available (reservation required)
Information as of August 2022 (Reiwa 4). Prices include tax.
At Morita Sake Brewery, you can also take a sake brewery tour.
Reservations are required one week in advance, and the fee is 1,100 yen.
Please note that tours are not conducted during the sake brewing period, which is from November 1 to February 28 of the following year.
During the sake brewery tour, in addition to the tour itself, you can taste three types of sake and receive an original souvenir.
Additionally, during the sake brewery tour, you can also visit Morita Sake Brewery's Japanese garden, Koroku no Niwa.
Koroku no Niwa has a history of about 400 years and is the oldest existing private garden in Kurashiki City.
In the garden, you can enjoy various plants throughout the four seasons.
Along with Koroku no Niwa, the tea room Heisuiten is also available for viewing.
Heisuiten faces Koroku no Niwa, and from the tea room, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the garden.
The name of the shop “Delicious Bukkake Udon Heisuiten” is derived from this Heisuiten.
Introducing popular and recommended products
Information as of August 2022. Prices include tax.
Morita Sake Brewery's sake, Mannen Yuki, has about 50 varieties.
From the many products of Morita Sake Brewery, let me introduce some popular items and recommended products from the brewery.
Mannen Yuki Unpressed Junmai Nama Ippon Arabashiri
“Mannen Yuki Unpressed Junmai Nama Ippon Arabashiri” (500 milliliters 1,577 yen) is one of the representative sakes of Morita Sake Brewery.
It is released every year starting December 20.
Arabashiri is a popular sake that usually runs out by early September of the following year.
Arasakari refers to the sake that drips first from the pressing bag when the fermented mash is placed in the pressing bag and pressed.
The first sake released in the year of brewing is Arasakari.
About 2,000 to 3,000 bottles of 500 milliliters are produced in a day.
The collected Arasakari is kept chilled at 2°C, where the growth of the sake stops.
It is then gradually shipped out, and since the growth of the sake has stopped, you can enjoy the fresh taste of the newly pressed sake.
Arasakari is also called "fragrant sake" and is characterized by its rich aroma.
When you drink it, a pleasant sake aroma spreads in your mouth, and a moderate sweetness can be felt.
I think it is a refreshing and easy-to-drink sake.
Mannen Yuki Morita Daiginjo Nama Sake Premium Daiginjo Sake
The "Mannen Yuki Morita Daiginjo Nama Sake (Morita Daiginjo Namazake) Premium Daiginjo Sake" (500 milliliters 3,146 yen) is a limited edition sake, as the name "premium" suggests.
It is sold starting around late January each year and runs out by the end of June.
Morita Daiginjo Nama Sake Premium Daiginjo Sake is often used for special occasions, such as gifts or celebrations.
When you try it, you can enjoy a crisp impression with a very rich and refreshing taste.
Additionally, Morita Daiginjo Nama Sake Premium Daiginjo Sake won the Gold Prize at the National Sake Competition in the 25th year of the Heisei era.
Mannen Yuki Funashibori Junmai Sake
The "Mannen Yuki Funashibori Junmai Sake" (500 milliliters 944 yen) is a sake that can be enjoyed year-round.
It has a rich and full-bodied flavor and can be enjoyed at room temperature.
In addition, it is very delicious when chilled in summer or served warm as "nurukan" in winter.
One of the charms of Funashibori Junmai Sake is that it can be enjoyed throughout the year.
By the way, "funa" (船) refers to the pressing machine used in the brewing of sake.
Mannen Yuki Gekikara Honjozo Chokarakuchi Sake
The "Mannen Yuki Gekikara Honjozo Chokarakuchi Sake" (500 milliliters 847 yen) is, as the name suggests, a dry sake.
Among the sake from the Chugoku region, it falls into the particularly dry category.
The term "dry" in sake means "low in sugar." It does not mean that it has spicy components, but rather that it is "not sweet."
Gekikara Honjozo Chokarakuchi Sake is recommended to be served chilled, making it a summer-friendly sake.
When I actually tried it chilled, I found it to have a very refreshing taste and was easy to drink.
Additionally, Gekikara Honjozo Chokarakuchi Sake has been developed as a "food pairing sake" to be enjoyed while eating.
Therefore, it is a sake that does not overpower food and enhances the deliciousness of dishes.
It pairs perfectly with white fish sashimi.
This is definitely a bottle you want to have on your summer dining table.
Mannen Yuki Mijime Junmai Arasuburi Honcho Awayuki
The "Mannen Yuki Mijime Junmai Arasuburi Honcho Awayuki" (Awayuki) (300 milliliters 835 yen) is a sparkling sake (a carbonated sake).
It is a carbonated version of Arasuburi.
When drinking, I enjoyed the unique carbonation sensation of the sparkling sake along with its fresh flavor.
I think it is a refreshing sake.
Awayuki is said to be a popular sake during the hot summer.
Additionally, some customers enjoy it for toasting at parties, using it like champagne.
Please drink the Foam Snow on the same day it is opened, as the carbonation will dissipate.
Morita Shuzo continues to produce sake using traditional methods.
We interviewed the representative, Morita Shoichiro.
Data of Morita Shuzo Co., Ltd.
| Organization Name | Morita Shuzo Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing (Sake Brewing) |
| Representative Name | Morita Shoichiro |
| Year Established | 1909 |
| Address | 8-8 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-0252 |
| Website | Morita Shuzo Co., Ltd. |
